Grit Mindset with Matt Rosen

How does an elite "Horse Soldier" transition from the rugged mountains of Afghanistan to the strategic halls of Washington, D.C.?Jeremy Thompson spent 22 years as a Green Beret Intelligence Officer, but his journey of resilience began long before the military. In this episode of The Grit Mindset, Matt Rosen sits down with the Executive Director of the Special Operations Association of America (SOAA) to discuss the evolution of an "Operator" and the grit required to lead after the uniform comes off.From the childhood tragedy that forged his early resolve to the high-stakes world of Special Operations, Jeremy shares a raw and honest look at what it takes to serve, sacrifice, and successfully pivot into a new life of purpose.Key Takeaways from the Mission:- The Identity Shift: How to prevent your career—no matter how elite—from becoming your entire identity, and the secret to a successful transition.- Psychological Body Armor: Tactical advice on building mental resilience and using a faith-driven mindset to navigate civilian life and entrepreneurship.- The Next Generation of Grit: Insights into raising grounded children and Jeremy’s ongoing mission to advocate for the Special Ops community through the SOAA.- Whether you are a veteran looking for your next mission or a leader seeking to build a more resilient team, Jeremy’s "Horse Soldier" perspective offers a masterclass in turning service into lasting impact.Support the Mission: Learn more about Jeremy’s advocacy work for our nation’s elite at SOAA.org.

In this episode of Grit Mindset, Matt Rosen sits down with serial entrepreneur and owner-operator of Flatout Logistics, Donnie Lopez. Donnie isn't just a business owner; he’s a master of the pivot.From a turbulent childhood to the high-stakes worlds of the oil patch, professional arm wrestling, and global event production—including Will Smith’s legendary 50th birthday jump in the Grand Canyon—Donnie’s life is a masterclass in the "Grit Mindset."In this conversation, we dive into:- The Power of the Pivot: How to transition between industries without losing your edge.- Logistics Under Pressure: Behind-the-scenes lessons from high-profile event production.- The Mentorship Model: Why finding the right guides is the shortcut to success.- Balanced Ambition: The "unpredictable path" of juggling a growing business with a dedicated family life.Whether you're navigating a career change or looking for the mental toughness to keep pushing forward, Donnie’s story provides the blueprint for what it means to stay gritty when the path gets steep.

In this episode of Grit Mindset, host Matt Rosen sits down with speaker, leadership coach, and author Mike Rose to unpack the concept of Return on Energy (ROE) and the driving forces behind his entrepreneurial journey. Mike shares vivid stories of his early hustles—from charging tolls in his Texas neighborhood to buying his first business at 18—and how these adventures shaped his unique perspective on business, leadership, and resilience. Together, they discuss the importance of grit, the influence of supportive yet hands-off parents, and the lessons Mike learned about financial literacy, culture, and company growth while building and selling successful ventures. If you’re curious about how to inspire energy and enthusiasm in teams, the true meaning of grit, and actionable steps to create an environment where people thrive, this episode is packed with wisdom, real-world advice, and inspiring takeaways. Don’t miss Mike’s tips on cultivating success, embracing challenges, and leading with purpose—plus a look inside his new book, ROE Powered ROI!

In this episode of Grit Mindset with Matt Rosen, host Matt Rosen goes solo to dive deep into the realities of setting and sticking to New Year's resolutions and goals. He shares his personal journey, including his mission to do 10 pull-ups, how dwindling gym crowds inspired his thoughts on perseverance, and why writing down specific, actionable goals is key to success. Matt discusses strategies from the classic book "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill, the importance of accountability, and how even simple frameworks can keep you on track. He also opens up about his passion for AI, recounts building a family dinner app using no-code tools, and urges listeners to start experimenting with artificial intelligence now—emphasizing its transformative potential in both personal and professional realms. Wrapping up, Matt invites guests and sponsors to join him on future episodes, promising more stories of grit, growth, and overcoming adversity. Don’t miss this inspiring, practical episode to help you cultivate resilience and get the most from your 2026 goals!

In this episode of Grit Mindset with Matt Rosen, host Matt Rosen goes solo to explore the age-old question: Is grit something you’re born with, or can it be built through life’s challenges? Matt dives into his own upbringing as a military kid constantly adapting to new environments, shares stories from his formative paper route job, and reflects on the lessons that tough, hands-on work instills. He features inspiring tales from past guests like Charles Haley, who experienced transformative grit through adversity, and Veronica, who overcame childhood trauma in war-torn Colombia. Matt also shares personal insights about instilling grit in his own children, emphasizing how both nature and nurture shape our resilience. Whether you’re looking to build perseverance or curious how adversity shapes success, this episode delivers actionable insights, heartfelt stories, and encouragement to help you develop your own grit mindset.

“I was fired.”It’s a sentence most leaders are terrified to say out loud. But for Andrew Snow, getting fired from a major leadership role wasn't the end of his career—it was the birth of his company, Track15.The secret to his rebound? It wasn't "white-knuckling" it or grinding harder. It was learning how to lean on others.In this episode of Grit Mindset, we’re tearing down the myth of the "Lone Wolf" founder. Andrew and I discuss why the highest form of grit isn’t just perseverance—it’s the courage to be vulnerable when things fall apart.

In this episode of Grit Mindset with Matt Rosen, Matt Rosen sits down with special guest Eric Winton, former CEO of The Bridge, to explore the real meaning of grit through candid storytelling and valuable life lessons. Eric Winton reflects on his journey from a humble, hardworking upbringing in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to climbing the ladder in consulting and tech, successfully navigating major career pivots, setbacks, and entrepreneurship. Together, Matt Rosen and Eric Winton discuss the power of resilience, the challenges and rewards of risk-taking, building high-performing teams, and the importance of believing in yourself when facing adversity. This heartfelt conversation is packed with actionable insights for anyone navigating their own professional or personal challenges, including wisdom on finding your path, overcoming failure, and moving forward with confidence. Don’t miss this honest, inspiring look at resilience, leadership, and the pursuit of success.

Kim Elenez, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish North Texas, shares the powerful impact of granting wishes to children facing critical illnesses. From her diverse career path to leading a large nonprofit chapter, Kim reveals how grit, purpose, and deep empathy drive her work and inspire her team. She also offers honest insights into overcoming self-doubt and the challenges of maintaining hope amid hardship.

Grit Mindset with Matt Rosen (Highlights 2025) brings together entrepreneurs, leaders, and builders for an honest conversation about grit, hard work, and the realities of personal and professional growth. Across the episode, one message is clear: hard work never gets easier, but you get better at doing hard things. Grit isn’t something you’re born with; it’s learned through experience, discipline, and the decisions you make when challenges show up. When you have clarity around the future you want to create, the values you stand for, and why it all matters, it becomes easier to push forward, adapt, and stay in motion, even when things get uncomfortable. Failure is reframed as part of the process, not a personal identity. Every setback is an event, a lesson, and an opportunity to grow. When things feel overwhelming, the advice is simple: focus on the next most important action, keep moving, and build courage by doing the hard things. One speaker shares wisdom passed down from his father: inside your head is a small switch, turn it just half a revolution, and fear becomes fight. The discussion also dives deep into entrepreneurship and career building. For young professionals, success often requires seasons of imbalance, paying your dues, grinding it out, and focusing intensely on your work before expecting balance. Surrounding yourself with people who challenge you, rather than staying comfortable, is emphasized as a key to growth. Vision, self-belief, and refusing to compromise what you’re building matter just as much as skill. Leadership is not about ego. It’s a “we” thing, not a “me” thing. Great leaders inspire hope, belief, and purpose, and they look beyond short-term wins toward a longer 10-year horizon. Giving back through philanthropy and lifting others up is framed as part of a truly successful life. As one guest puts it, happiness, not just wealth, is the real goal, joking that his tombstone will read: He could have made more money, but he couldn’t have had more fun. The episode also highlights the strength of the Dallas–Fort Worth business community, described as dynamic, diversified, and resilient. With strong roots in finance, real estate, aviation, and emerging tech and life sciences, the region continues to adapt and thrive, weathering economic cycles through balance and innovation. Bottom line: Grit is built, not given. The journey is hard, imperfect, and demanding, but it’s also deeply rewarding for those willing to jump, commit, and keep going.

NFL legend. Five-time Super Bowl champion. Unfiltered truth.In this powerful episode of The Grit Mindset with Matt Rosen, Charles Haley opens up like never before, sharing the raw story behind his greatness. From growing up struggling in school and battling undiagnosed bipolar disorder to playing through pain, winning five Super Bowls, and losing his identity after football, Haley’s journey is a masterclass in real grit.He breaks down what grit truly means, why failure is part of success, and how shifting from problems to solutions can change your life. Haley also shares the mission behind his Tackle Tomorrow Foundation, his faith, and the lessons he’s passed on to his children about discipline, resilience, and purpose.This isn’t just a football story. It’s a conversation about mental health, faith, leadership, and finding strength when life hits hard.If you want motivation that’s real, raw, and unforgettable, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 🎧🔥

In this episode of The Grit Mindset, host Matt Rosen sits down with his friend, neighbor, and respected healthcare leader Becky Tucker, SVP of Channel Integration at Texas Health Resources, one of the largest faith-based nonprofit healthcare systems in North Texas.Becky oversees thousands of employees —yet her road to leadership began far from the boardroom. From her early years as a competitive gymnast who moved away from home at just 11, to the injury that first sparked her interest in healthcare, Becky shares how resilience, discipline, and faith shaped her path.She opens up about:Her unlikely entry into the hospital world—starting as an administrative assistant after being the “backup hire,” and eventually becoming Texas Health’s first internal resident selected for its leadership fellowship.Rising through the ranks by embracing ambiguity, building new programs from the ground up, and leading major system-wide innovations in ambulatory and emergency care.Leading through COVID as a hospital president—navigating fear, scarce resources, and emotional exhaustion while keeping her team grounded through transparency, teamwork, and sheer grit.Being a female executive in a male-dominated field, including the eye-opening moment when a state representative assumed every man in the room—except her—was the hospital president.Family, mentors, and finding your village—and why grit must always be balanced with grace.Becky also shares the powerful influence of her rancher father’s work ethic, the importance of role models, and how she instills grit in her own children by modeling hard work, gratitude, and service.This is a conversation filled with vulnerability, leadership lessons, and the kind of real-world wisdom that defines The Grit Mindset.Stay gritty out there.

In this powerful episode of The Grit Mindset, Matt Rosen sits down with longtime friend, mentor, and client Richard Maranville, now CTO of Pinnacle Live, an innovative event-technology company operating in 150+ hotel properties nationwide.Richard’s story is a masterclass in grit, adaptability, and leadership. From a humble upbringing with a single mother in Southern California to discovering coding on a vintage Tandy computer at age 13, Richard shares how early responsibility and hard work—from paper routes to McDonald's shifts—instilled the resilience that would fuel his entire career.He walks listeners through his rapid ascent at Kinko’s (later FedEx Office), where he advanced from developer to CIO, managing a 300-person team in his mid-30s. Richard discusses the challenges of earning respect as a young leader, the importance of partnership between IT and business teams, and the lessons he learned about humility, communication, and empowering others.Richard then opens up about his 12-year chapter at Freeman, the world’s largest event-production company. From stabilizing a broken payroll system to leading digital transformation, navigating multiple tech acquisitions, and managing through the chaos of COVID—when Freeman saw 100% of its revenue vanish almost overnight—he shares candid stories about crisis leadership, rebuilding trust, and the necessity of confronting problems head-on.The conversation also explores his time as COO and CTO at Salad and Go, where Richard transitioned from tech into operations and supply chain—applying grit, people leadership, and decades of experience to a fast-scaling restaurant brand.Matt and Richard dive deep into:-What grit means in real life-Perseverance, asking for help, leaning on your support network, and giving yourself space to think clearly.-Lessons for young professionals— Focus on soft skills, not just coding. — Don’t play politics—focus on your work. — Empower your team and take the bullets for them.-Parenting with grit— Teaching kids to earn what they want, handle “no,” and work in the service industry to build empathy and resilience. -Leadership PrinciplesFrom early hustle to executive boardrooms, Richard’s journey is packed with insight, humility, and the kind of hard-earned wisdom that defines true grit.

Thanksgiving Special: The Untold Origin Story of AllataIn this special Thanksgiving episode, Host Matt Rosen sits down for a rare solo conversation to share the full origin story of Allata — the pivotal moments, the early supporters, the tough lessons, and the grit it took to build a company from his garage into a national consulting firm.Matt opens up about the mentors who shaped him, the season of self-doubt, the leap into entrepreneurship, and the unexpected people who pushed him forward—sometimes intentionally, sometimes by accident. From his early years at Pariveda to navigating a difficult leadership environment, to naming the company in his backyard with his wife, this episode traces the real, unvarnished journey behind the Allata you know today.You’ll hear:How two founders, Bruce and John, sparked Matt’s passion for people-first leadershipWhy timing mattered—and how his wife Stephanie helped build a life that made entrepreneurship possibleThe hard quarter that revealed a leader’s true colors and ultimately pushed Matt to strike out on his ownThe moment Allata got its name (hint: bamboo + a backyard conversation)The first clients who took a chance and the early team members who shaped the cultureHow the company survived 2020 and why Allata’s core mantra still anchors everything:Family First. Clients Are King. Take Great Care of Your People.A heartfelt message of thanks to his team, clients, partners, mentors, and familyThis honest, gratitude-filled episode is part reflection, part masterclass in leadership, and part reminder that no entrepreneurial journey is ever walked alone.If you’re a founder, a leader, or simply someone who believes in building something meaningful—this is a must-watch.Happy Thanksgiving from The Grit Mindset. Stay gritty out there.

In this inspiring episode of The Grit Mindset, host Matt Rosen sits down with Christine Rogers, co-founder of Spark Farm, a marketing and PR agency built on flexibility, integrity, and a bold mission: reinventing the workplace—especially for working moms.Christine shares the deeply personal and professional journey that led her from male-dominated big-agency environments to launching Spark Farm in the middle of the 2009 recession. What began as playground conversations during layoffs became a thriving 16-year agency that champions flexibility, balance, and a “no-asshole policy” that prioritizes culture over contracts.From her early upbringing in Northern Virginia to the powerful mentors who shaped her, Christine opens up about resilience, founding challenges, hard lessons (including a costly legal one), and the value of standing firm in your values—even when it means walking away from clients. She also digs into modeling grit for her own children and supporting today’s working parents through Spark Farm’s unique flat-organization structure.This episode is packed with real talk about leadership, motherhood, entrepreneurship, toxic workplaces, and finding a path forward—no matter what obstacles are in the way.If you’re an entrepreneur, a working parent, or someone considering building something of your own, this conversation will hit home. Stay gritty!

In this episode of The Grit Mindset, Host Matt Rosen sits down with longtime friend and Cloud Communications Group partner, Chris Moffett, for a candid conversation on entrepreneurship, innovation, resilience, and navigating the ever-changing world of technology.Chris shares his unconventional entry into the tech world — from carrying luggage at a Houston hotel to installing one of the building’s first voicemail systems, sparking a career in telecommunications and network infrastructure. With no formal engineering background, Chris built his expertise through curiosity, problem-solving, and a relentless willingness to learn on the fly — a defining theme of grit.Together, Matt and Chris unpack Cloud Communications Group’s origin story, born out of a grad school business plan in 2009 and built through persistence, networking, and countless uncomfortable first conversations. Chris reflects on the early days of blank office walls, unanswered phones, and refining the company pitch after 30 minutes in a meeting before realizing the prospect thought he worked for AT&T.Chris also opens up about the moments that tested his resolve the most — including losing an entire executive client team overnight and fearing the loss of his company’s largest account. Instead of collapsing, the challenge expanded his network, strengthened relationships, and ultimately grew the business.As leaders in enterprise network strategy and cloud infrastructure for companies $500M+, the conversation naturally shifts to the future — including:The rapid pace of AI advancement and why adaptation is non-negotiableThe risks of “shadow AI” and unmonitored corporate data exposureWhy data hygiene and governance are the real competitive advantagesThe importance of solving problems without always knowing the answer upfrontHow technical leaders must carry grit in the face of constant pressure and changeChris also shares personal lessons in parenting with an entrepreneurial mindset, encouraging his kids to earn opportunities, embrace work ethic, and reject entitlement — even when it means manual labor to fund a weekend trip.When asked what grit means to him, Chris puts it simply:“We’re going to solve this — even if we don’t know how yet.”Matt and Chris close the discussion with insight on leadership, decision-making, and the mindset required to thrive when the finish line isn’t visible.Key Takeaways:Don’t wait for perfect information — make the decision and adjustEntrepreneurship means solving problems before knowing the solutionAI is a tool, not a threat — adaptation beats resistanceTrue grit is choosing motion over hesitationThis episode is a masterclass in patience, perseverance, and staying gritty through uncertainty.Stay gritty.

In this inspiring episode of The Grit Mindset, host Matt Rosen sits down with Mandy Austin, President of Corporate Banking at Vista Bank, to explore how purpose, perseverance, and service define true grit.Mandy shares her journey from growing up in North Texas to building a 20-year career in banking, culminating in her leadership role. She reflects on the influence of her father’s small business ventures and her mother’s dedication to education—two forces that shaped her entrepreneurial spirit and lifelong curiosity.Throughout the conversation, Mandy opens up about the power of resilience—both in business and in life. She recounts overcoming early career challenges and a life-changing multiple sclerosis diagnosis at just 28 years old, which she managed to reverse through research, discipline, and lifestyle change. Her story is one of courage, optimism, and taking ownership of your path.Takeaways include:-How grit is both a choice and a mindset, defined by passion and perseverance.-The importance of finding purpose in your career and aligning your “why” with your work.-Teaching resilience to her children through sports and commitment.-Leading teams through clear communication, vision, and empowerment.Her commitment to community service through United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and Children’s Health, inspired by her nephew’s cancer survival story.Mandy’s story reminds us that grit isn’t just about toughness—it’s about growth, purpose, and using adversity to serve others. Listen to this episode to learn how to stay driven, serve with purpose, and keep pushing forward—no matter what challenges come your way.

Host Matt Rosen sits down with longtime neighbor and friend Kyle Wick, co-founder of 22 One Advisors, to unpack the grit behind building a purpose-driven wealth advisory from the ground up. Kyle traces his path from small-town Iowa to Dallas—hauling boxes at UPS, managing third-shift sanitation crews in meat-packing plants, repo’ing cars for a farm bank—before betting on himself in a commission-only advisory role. With no network and no safety net, he leveraged discipline, continuous learning, and “champagne moments” (visualizing future wins) to push through rejection and build a practice.Kyle shares why his firm’s name comes from Proverbs 22:1 (“A good name is more desirable than great riches”) and how that anchors their philosophy: connect what’s on the balance sheet to what’s in the heart. Today, 22 One Advisors manages ~$500M, prioritizing impact over products—helping clients retire with confidence, steward wealth intentionally, and “die with zero regrets.” He also dives into team dynamics with his partners, community commitments (DFW Hawkeyes, Oak Cliff, faith), and a powerful story of guiding a young widow—proof that real impact goes far beyond returns.Episode Takeaways:Grit = perseverance with passion over time; survive long enough for progress to compound.Start from values: character and legacy before tactics and returns (Proverbs 22:1).Build without a network: tap shared identities (e.g., alumni), tell your “why,” and keep showing up.Introvert edge: Mastery and preparation create confidence Impact over products: retire earlier than you think, spend on purpose (“Die With Zero” mindset), and align money with meaning.Community matters: design clear guardrails for family time and invest in the places you live and serve.Website: https://www.22oneadvisors.com/team.htm

In this episode of The Grit Mindset, host Matt Rosen sits down with Scott Wood, CEO and Co-Founder of True North Advisors.Scott opens up about his early career — from dreaming of New York finance to launching his own firm that felt straight out of Wall Street. He shares how his family’s entrepreneurial roots shaped his work ethic and perspective, from his grandfather’s lighting company to his father’s home-building business and mother’s design background.Scott reflects on pivotal career moments, including leaving Chase, joining Lockwood Financial in Dallas, and the lessons learned along the way. He explains why credentials alone don’t define success — relentless hard work does. Later, Scott discusses building company culture through shared values and how True North uses those values to guide hiring and leadership decisions.Finally, Scott reveals the inspiration behind his drive, his definition of “opting in” to hard work, and why culture remains the heartbeat of True North Advisors.

In this inspiring conversation, Matt Rosen sits down with Eric Benanti, a marketing major turned creative entrepreneur, who shares his journey of joining and eventually leading his family’s renowned creative agency, Tractorbeam.Eric reflects on the early days — when a set of business cards gifted at Christmas didn’t feel like much of a “gift,” but rather the beginning of a lifelong calling. Over time, his heart shifted. What once felt like work became purpose, and he found deep fulfillment in running a legacy company built on creativity, grit, and vision.He shares the story behind the name “Tractorbeam,” how his father’s “Wild West” entrepreneurial style influenced him, and what it took to professionalize and scale a creative business in a competitive market. Eric opens up about the challenges of working with family, navigating tough client demands, and staying innovative through moments of real uncertainty — including the pandemic years spent building quality work out of a WeWork office.💡 “Creative as a standalone business is challenging,” Eric admits, “but when you get the product mix right, the work becomes the mission.”Stay Gritty!!https://tractorbeam.com/

In this inspiring episode of The Grit Mindset, host Matt Rosen sits down with Joan Kuehl, a trailblazing former CIO whose career has spanned technology, leadership, and mentorship. From growing up in a working-class family to leading global IT projects for major corporations like Sabre, Bank of America, and Travelers Insurance, Joan’s story is a powerful lesson in perseverance, adaptability, and courage.🌟 Highlights:From humble beginnings to the C-suite: Joan shares how her father’s example of hard work and integrity instilled the values that guided her career.Breaking barriers in tech: As one of the few women in computer science in the 1980s, Joan navigated a male-dominated field with grit and determination—eventually leading teams of thousands.Defining moments of leadership: She recounts overseeing the massive US Airways systems conversion project, which required coordination across 8,000 people and critical decision-making under pressure.Building resilience and community: Joan opens up about creating Women in Technology programs and leading Empowering Women Leaders (EWL)—a nonprofit providing mentorship and scholarships to women returning to college later in life.Real stories of grit: From a mother of 11 escaping abuse to women overcoming homelessness and addiction, Joan highlights the life-changing impact of EWL’s mentorship model.Lessons in courage and balance: Reflecting on her own journey, Joan shares the importance of saying yes to opportunities even when you feel unprepared—and the need to balance ambition with family and self-care.💡 Key Takeaway:Grit isn’t just about working harder—it’s about staying persistent, adapting when plans change, and helping others rise with you. Joan’s journey reminds us that courage and compassion can coexist at every stage of success.🎧 Tune in to hear how grit, mentorship, and purpose have shaped Joan's extraordinary path—and how you can apply those lessons to your own life.